Pacheco Pass, California

San Luis Reservoir, California

San Luis Reservoir, California

Note: these images were photographed a year prior to the lighting storms of 2020 which caused devastating fires throughout California. The large fires created so much smoke that the entire country was covered in a smokey fog for several days

Photography is often at the apex of all celebrations and most tragedies. It often provides convincing evidence of hope and is a foundational when considering a solution to many of the world's issues. A photograph can most simply and miraculously transcend us to the familiar and unknown; It’s a powerful duo, the human and the camera.

​This particular body of work is deeply personal. As a native of California, HYW 152 and the San Luis Reservoir are indicative of two symbolic recurring situations that most Californias can probably resonate with. The first, if you are going through Pacheco Pass you are on some kind of road trip. The second, if you are a Californian, you pay close attention to the water line to measure how well we are doing and if there will be a drought that year. It can be a very exciting time if the water lines are topped off and a very sobering unspoken sadness in the car if they are low. Personally I have experienced both and in more recent times the drought is frequent if not annually now.

San Luis Reservoir, California

As I present these images of the San Luis Reservoir, I am asking you to go on a road trip with me. Imagine if you will, the windows rolled down, and the warm wind gently turns your glance towards the reservoir water along the Pacheco Pass with me. Is it a good year? Will there be a drought? I can’t tell you how many times we have said “Main, it’s so dry right now. I sure hope there isn’t a fire this year.”